Haven Blackwell, 4-H Youth & Development Agent
Cherokee County
Cherokee County 4-H along with Clemson Extension’s School and Community Gardening Team have partnered with teachers and administrators across Cherokee County to implement school gardens across four schools. Luther Vaughan Elementary, Blacksburg Elementary, Cherokee Charter Academy, and Corinth Elementary are currently participating in this wonderful program and we would love to add even more schools to that list.
he first step in getting your school one of our awesome gardens is to have two of your teachers/administrators complete our School Gardening for South Carolina Educators Online Course. Alongside the knowledge of running a school garden that you will get from this course, you will also
receive our Garden STEM curriculum, the Seasonal Planting Guide and Calendar, and other lessons and activities. Next, we can help you obtain a grant to cover the cost of your raised beds and other necessary supplies. Don’t worry! All these supplies get delivered directly to your school. Throughout the year, I will bring your seeds and transplants for your garden.
Youth in Cherokee County are able to learn how to grow their own food and the importance of that skill through this program. These students are also contributing fresh fruits and vegetables to their school cafeteria’s.
If you are interested in starting a school garden at your school, please contact me at daynab@clemson.edu. Happy harvesting!
